The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-12-03

Mr.. Gordon was not at all satisfied
with being profoundly booked in all
the branches of his profession, but
his reading and studies took much
wider range. History scientific works
and general literature occupied time
not strictly belonging to busy pro-
fession. He read not merely to amuse
or pass away surplus time, but to
stock craving mind. He had a
powerful memory which meyer lost
any of its contents. Whilst he was
fond of solving difficult legal prob
lens, he was equally fond of the
groves of general literature. But he
never numbered his mind, or the
shelves of his extensive library, with
unworthy books lover of the good
old unadultered English as it came
from master minds century and
more ago. In our conversation of
full hour, on the morning of the day
of his death, we talked upon this
subject, and it was agreed that the
students of the Bible and Shakespear,
with their nervous, terse and express
sive styles, were best prepared for
intellectual contests. We concurred
that Daniel Webster and Judge Black
were striking examples. These giants,
in their battles with adversaries, al
most invaribly betook themselves to
these styles. No one ever misunder-
stood them.
He was always of the Democratic
party, decidedly so, as in all his rea-
tions and positions with proclivities
towards politics. He stood for the
Legislature in 1847, but failed of cleo
ton, which was both to his interest
and wishes, Upon the new civil dis
pensatiOn given US in the constitution
of 1851, he in that year became can
didate for States attorney, and was
elected for the term of four years,
during which it so happened there
was an unusal amount of criminal
business, among which were a num-
Der murder cases one resulting in
conviction and the execution of Mil
Ter of DIR. Hadeli and Graft. He dis
charged the duties of his office with
industry and vjgOr, but he did not
forget the demands of fairness and
humanity. After this he at once en-
tered upon more extensive and ID
cratiye practice in all the branches of
his profession, incluping the climi-
ma, He was of counsel in the cele-
brated Tucker case for the defense.
He was elected to the Legislature in
1859, and was still a member when
the great Rebellion came on in 1861.
Was president of the Canal Company
for one year in go. Was elevated to
the Bench in 1888 by Executive ap-
pointment, and served till the fol-
lowing winter with great usefulness
to the public. After his successor
came upon the bench he at once re-
sumed his place at the bar, and con-
tlnued his practice till his demise,
But his usefulness for several years
were much impaired by his accum-
ulating infirmities, which excited SC
much real sympathy in his behalf.
To use home expression he was
self-made man, and his work in this
asin all other respects, was well done.
1t could hardly he otherwise. consid-
ering the excellent material that he
worked into true manhood, He low
ell the social circle, especially at his
own hearth. Was fond of giving and
receiving information by means of
conyersationalism, that once charm
ing accomplishment, but now we'll
nigh lost. Was loyal, devoted and
kind husband a wise, just and affec-
tionate parent, but only two of twelve
children remain to mourn their loss,
and cherish his fragrant memory. A
kind, generous and helping neghbor;
not only lover, but giver of charity
in all its useful forms.
There is yet another relation,
which he bore to society, that de-
serves praiseworthy mention-his re-
ligion and church connection. In
these he was firm and confirmed at
no time in doubt, disbelief or uncer-
tainty. The bible was above and be-
yond all authority to him. In his
view, it needed no explanation, no
apology, no illumination, no reyis-
ion. He was almost life long men,
Der of the Presbyterian church. for
many years filling places in all its
offices. He led everywhere because
he was fit, ready and willing; and
for many years superintendent of the
Sunday school. He loved this place
and his copious knowledge and ex.
perience made him fit teacher of
youthful minds, those truths and
principles that underlie ali true man
hood, and woman's highest and low.
Hest traits. His CHURCH, in NV lung